Exploring Longevity in the Music Industry with the MUTANT·ES Podcast

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Unicum Music, Emily Gonneau reflected on the rarity of longevity in the music industry, a field that is constantly evolving. Recognizing that survival in this space is more an exception than the rule, she was inspired to launch MUTANT·ES, a podcast that delves into the entrepreneurial journeys of music company founders with 15 to 20 years of experience. Through these conversations, Emily Gonneau seeks to uncover how these leaders not only survive but thrive in a challenging and fast-paced environment.

One of the guests on the podcast is Pascal Bittard, founder of IDOL, interviewed by Mathilde Neu of Resonance Agency. Alongside other entrepreneurs such as Franck Descollonges from Heavenly Sweetness, Ludo Jean from Ovastand, Clément Souchier from Bridge.audio and Aurélie Thuot from Adone Productions, the podcast paints a vivid picture of how these visionaries navigate challenges while continuing to innovate and grow.

Emily Gonneau’s career is a testament to her ability to blend music and digital. After working at major labels like EMI in London and Paris, she pivoted in 2009 to found Unicum Music, an artist management company aimed at broader career development.

In 2013, recognizing the rising importance of digital strategies, Emily Gonneau co-founded Nüagency, a digital consulting firm that helps artists, festivals, and cultural organizations harness Web2/Web3 technologies for promotion, financing, and management. Her digital expertise has made her a critical resource for professionals navigating the evolving music landscape.

In addition to her business ventures, Emily Gonneau has been a prominent voice for equality and innovation. She launched initiatives like La Nouvelle Onde, spotlighting young professionals in the music industry, and the Social Music Awards, celebrating creativity in digital strategies. Her passion for fostering future talent, combined with her role as an educator at La Sorbonne and her widely recognized book The Artist, Digital Technology and Music (L’Artiste, le Numérique et la Musique), positions her as a key figure in bridging music and technology.

While Emily Gonneau may be the mind behind the MUTANT·ES podcast, Pascal Bittard’s story plays a key role in the conversation. As the founder of IDOL, he has built one of the most respected digital music distribution companies, known for its commitment to independent labels and artists. After spending over a decade at Sony Music France and V2 Music, Pascal Bittard launched IDOL in 2006, right as digital distribution was emerging.

What made IDOL different from the start was Pascal Bittard’s vision to offer more than just a service for getting music onto digital platforms. He positioned IDOL as a partner for labels and artists, offering tailored digital marketing strategies, physical distribution, and tech-driven solutions such as Labelcamp, a software platform that helps artists and labels manage their catalogs with precision.

What makes the IDOL story particularly striking is Pascal Bittard’s commitment to remaining independent. Unlike many of his competitors, he has refused external investment, ensuring that IDOL’s growth remains focused on quality, artist support, and innovation.

Pascal Bittard’s success is a testament to his forward-thinking approach to digital music distribution and his unwavering commitment to artists’ independence. His journey, chronicled in the MUTANT·ES podcast, provides valuable lessons in how to adapt and thrive in an industry known for its volatility.

MUTANT·ES showcases the importance of connecting seasoned industry voices with emerging talents, fostering a dynamic exchange between generations of music business leaders.

As co-founder of Resonance Agency and Music Tech France, Mathilde Neu represents the cutting edge of MusicTech innovation. Resonance helps music tech companies navigate marketing, communication, and public relations, emphasizing the long-term relationship between music and technology. Since its launch in 2022, Resonance has focused on connecting innovators with opportunities to ensure both industries evolve together.

Mathilde Neu’s conversation with Pasca Bittardl in MUTANT·ES dives into the technological advancements shaping the music industry and the role entrepreneurship plays in adapting to these changes. Her insights emphasize the importance of blending traditional industry knowledge with innovation—values that resonate throughout the podcast.

The MUTANT·ES podcast creates a compelling narrative about building a lasting presence in the music industry. Pascal Bittard’s reflections on maintaining independence while growing internationally offer a roadmap for those navigating digital music distribution. His approach highlights the delicate balance of maintaining close relationships with artists and labels while scaling globally.

What becomes evident through MUTANT·ES is that longevity in the music industry requires resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to innovation. Emily Gonneau, Mathilde Neu, and Pascal Bittard, each in their own way, exemplify how entrepreneurial vision can not only survive but thrive in the ever-changing music landscape.

As the podcast unfolds, it promises to be an essential listen for anyone aiming to launch or sustain a successful venture in the music world.

– Episode 01 – Myriam Eddaïra (Studio d’Ikken) x Benjamin Mathieu (Road Studio) – Listen
– Episode 02 – Franck Descollonges (Heavenly Sweetness) x Louise Bouchoucha (Artichaut Production & 386LAB) – Listen
– Episode 03 – Pascal Bittard (Idol) x Mathilde Neu (Resonance Agency) – Listen
– Episode 04 – Aurélie Thuot (Adone Productions) x Ludo Martinotti (Mediatone) – Listen
– Episode 05 – Fernando Ladeiro-Marques (MaMA Music & Convention) x Sylvia de la Baume (Amapola Festival) – Listen
– Episode 06 – Ludo Jean (Ovastand) x Daphné Honigman (Far East Prod) – Listen
– Episode 07 – Clément Souchier (Creaminal & Bridge.audio) x Céline Bakond (La neuvième muse) – Listen
– Episode 08 – Emily Gonneau (ÜNI) x Olivier Lalane (le philtre) – Listen